John Osseward was a Seattle conservationist who was best known for his work with Olympic Park Associates (OPA), a citizens group that he founded and led. From its beginnings in 1948, OPA was concerned with the administration and protection of Olympic National Park, including issues such as boundary changes, logging, and road building. One particular concern centered on the inclusion of a strip of beach in the Olympic National Park and the prevention of road building there. On occasion, OPA also became involved in issues involving other wilderness areas.
John Osseward was also active in other conservation organizations. He was a founder of the Wilderness Bill Coordinating Committee, a trustee of National Parks Associates, a board member of the Wilderness Society, and a member of the North Cascades Conservation Council, the Mountaineers, and the Sierra Club. Osseward presented testimony at congressional and other hearings on behalf of many of these organizations. He died in Seattle in 1984.
From the guide to the John Osseward Papers, 1916-1983, 1947-1979, (University of Washington Libraries Special Collections)
